Facial dysmorphism in congenital rubella syndrome.

PURPOSE: To investigate the dysmorphic facial features in congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) and describe their associations with ocular and systemic features. METHODS: The medical records of children diagnosed with CRS between 2016 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed for ocular and systemic features. CRS was diagnosed either on the basis of positive serology for rubella antibodies or with the classic triad of congenital cataract, sensorineural hearing loss, and congenital heart defect. Children with photographic documentation of the face were analyzed independently by three experienced investigators for facial dysmorphic features (triangular face, microcephaly, broad forehead, low anterior hairline, whorl on the anterior hairline, prominent nose, micrognathia). The dysmorphic feature was recorded as present only when at least two of the three examiners confirmed its existence. RESULTS: CRS was diagnosed in 237 children: mean age at presentation, 5.45 ± 4.5 years; 126 males (53%); bilateral cataract, 176 (75%). Positive serology for rubella antibodies was noted in 153 children (65%). Photographic record of facial features was documented in 127 (54%). The most common dysmorphic facial feature was wide forehead (82 [65%]), followed by low anterior hairline with whorl (41 [32%]). However, microcornea (P = 0.9801), cataract (P = 0.8342), pupillary sphincter atrophy (P = 0.7421), and salt and pepper retinopathy (P = 0.8803) were not significantly associated with the presence of facial dysmorphism. Congenital heart disease was significantly associated with facial dysmorphism (P = 0.0308). Sensorineural hearing loss was not associated with the presence of facial dysmorphism (P = 0.8463). CONCLUSIONS: Facial dysmorphism is common in children with CRS, but it was not predictive of the presence of ocular manifestations of CRS in this cohort.

Correlation of aqueous humor electrolytes with serum electrolytes in cataract patients.

PURPOSE: To correlate the aqueous humor electrolytes with serum electrolytes in patients with cataract. METHODS: In this study, 348 eyes of patients undergoing cataract surgery, who had presented between 1st January 2019 and 30th June 2020, were included. Serum electrolytes were obtained and 0.15 ml of aqueous humor was obtained during surgery using an insulin syringe via the side port incision. Mean and standard deviation was used to analyze all the categorical and continuous data including all the electrolytes levels. Pearson's correlation of coefficient was used to analyze the comparison between serum and aqueous humor electrolytes. Student T-test was used to compare electrolyte values between the serum and aqueous humor. RESULTS: We observed a significant correlation of the aqueous humor electrolytes with their serum counterparts. The coefficient of correlation is 0.155, 0.44, and 0.405 for Na+, K+, and Cl-, respectively. There is also a significant increase in the aqueous humor electrolytes as compared to the serum levels. CONCLUSION: A significant increase in electrolytes levels in the aqueous humor of cataract patients possibly could have a role in the etiology of cataract.

Temporary anchorage devices - Mini-implants.

Orthodontists are accustomed to using teeth and auxiliary appliances, both intraoral and extraoral, to control anchorage. These methods are limited in that it is often difficult to achieve results commensurate with our idealistic goals. Recently, a number of case reports have appeared in the orthodontic literature documenting the possibility of overcoming anchorage limitations via the use of temporary anchorage devices-biocompatible devices fixed to bone for the purpose of moving teeth, with the devices being subsequently removed after treatment. Although skeletal anchorage is here to stay in orthodontics, there are still many unanswered questions. This article describes the development of skeletal anchorage and provides an overview of the use of implants for orthodontic anchorage.